Substance Abuse & Addiction

Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS)

The Bureau of Substance Abuse Services oversees the substance abuse and gambling prevention and treatment services in the Commonwealth. Responsibilities include licensing programs and counselors, funding and monitoring prevention and treatment services, providing access to treatment for the indigent and uninsured, developing and implementing policies and programs, and tracking substance abuse trends in the state.

Alcohol & Drug Abuse Assistance

The Helpline is a Massachusetts resource providing free and anonymous information and referral for alcohol and other drug abuse problems and related concerns. The Helpline is committed to linking consumers with comprehensive, accurate, and current information about treatment and prevention services throughout Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Substance Abuse Website

Toll-Free Phone: 800-327-5050
TTY Services: 800-720-3480

Gambling Assistance

Founded in 1983, the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling is a private, non-profit health agency dedicated to providing leadership to reduce the social, financial, and emotional costs of problem gambling, and to promote a continuum of prevention and intervention strategies including: information and public awareness, community education and professional training, advocacy and referral services for problem gamblers, their loved ones and the greater community.

Toll-Free Phone: 800-426-1234
TTY Services: 617-426-1855

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Phone: 1-866-NA-HELP-U

Narcotics Anonymous is a member-driven, international organization in which no dues or fees are charged for membership. All we ask is for a potential member to have a desire to stop using drugs. Members recover from the disease of addiction by application of the principles contained in the Twelve Steps. Our program is based on a set of spiritual principles, and we have no affiliation with any organized religion.

Rob L, Pioneer Valley Area of Narcotics Anonymous Public Relations says, Narcotics Anonymous is a twelve-step approach to recovery with the primary purpose of helping any individual stop using drugs. NA's program focuses on an addict's recovery from the disease of addiction, rather than any specific drug. Through our group meetings and the therapeutic value of one addict helping another, addicts learn how to live drug-free and productive lives.

Contact Us

Email Pioneer Valley Area of Narcotics

Phone: 1-866-NA-HELP-U

New England Region of Narcotics Anonymous Website

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.

• Western Massachusetts Area Website
• Western Massachusetts Intergroup Website
  Phone: 413-532-2111

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service, is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.

Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Website

Involuntary Commitment for Alcohol or Drug Abuse

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 123, Section 35 permits the courts to involuntarily commit someone whose alcohol or drug use puts themselves or others at risk. Such a commitment can lead to an inpatient substance abuse treatment for a period of up to 90 days.

Under the law, the person can be committed to a licensed treatment facility or, if none is available, to a separate unit at the correctional facility at Bridgewater for men or Framingham for women.

In 2006, a new system of care for women was established and in 2008, a similar one was established for men. The Women's Addiction Treatment Center (WATC) is in New Bedford and the Men's Addiction Treatment Center (MATC) is in Brockton both provide intake and treatment for those civilly committed under this law.